Surprisingly, it's not a well-known fact especially in our country that potatoes can be a great source of nutrition for moms-to-be.  I guess it has something to do with its trait as a starchy carbohydrate which women who are body-conscious eliminate from their diet.  But did you know that potatoes are rich in Potassium and Folate?

I've been a mom three times and all my pregnancies had been healthy.  My last pregnancy came as a pleasant surprise to me and my husband.  I found out about my bun in the oven when I was about to end my first trimester.  OH MY!  Had I known right from the beginning that I was expecting, I would have seen my doctor immediately to properly care for my most delicate pregnancy phase, took multivitamins especially rich in folate, and ate healthier.  But you see on the other side, even without knowing I was pregnant that time, my baby inside was at his tip top shape.  I recalled what I had been doing and eating during my first trimester that made the baby healthy and normal even without artificial sources of vitamins and minerals.  I lightly exercised and ate a lot of foods with potatoes in it.  POTATOES helped me get through my first trimester smoothly.

WHY ARE POTATOES GOOD FOR MOMS TO BE?
I remember during my last pregnancy, I was always happy.  I felt energized.  I felt strong.  I wasn't sickly.  Lastly, I was eating a lot!  I lot of vegetables and fruits but more of potatoes, and occasional servings of my favorite sweet cravings.  I had a healthy pregnancy.
But what made that last pregnancy memorable and special, was not knowing I was pregnant during my first trimester.  Like what I shared earlier, I gave in to my cravings for mashed potatoes, potato cream soup, nilagang baka with potatoes, potato salads, and steamed potatoes.  And upon consulting my doctor, she said that it's good that I included potatoes in my diet because that's what helped me get through with my trimester without any complications nor what most mothers fear - miscarriage.

So why are potatoes super food for moms-to-be?  I'll tell you what my nutritionist friend told me.

FOLATE - Potatoes are high in folate, which is important in pregnancy for normal fetal brain and spinal cord development. Folate is needed for the development of DNA and other genetic material. As the baby grows, he or she will gain energy in the womb through glucose. This may explain why blood sugar levels may drop and cravings for starchy food begin.  So this explains why I had potato cravings during my early pregnancy stage. 

POTASSIUM - Having potassium in a pregnant woman's diet could help avoid horrible leg cramps at night.  Did you know that although a banana is one good source of potassium, still the best source of potassium is the potato?  I was also surprised to know this.  Plus eating potatoes help avoid fatigue and constipation.  This explains why I was always feeling happy and energized during my pregnancy. 

NO FAT, SODIUM OR CHOLESTEROL - These are three things moms on the way need to lessen in their pregnancy diet. 

VITAMIN C, B6, IRON, and FIBER - these help in digestion, lower blood cholesterol, increase immunity from common colds and cough (which I really prayed wouldn't have throughout my pregnancy).  Iron is good for the blood, that's why doctors give pregnant women iron supplements to aid in having a healthy pregnancy.  All these are present in potatoes which make it a super food for moms-to-be.

HOW HEALTHY POTATOES SHOULD BE COOKED  OR SERVED?
Sure we may crave for fries or hash browns because after all these are made from potatoes right?  But there are healthier ways to serve or eat potatoes.  When expecting or praying to conceive, opt for potatoes which are boiled or steamed. Limit fried (such as the case of potato chips, fries, potato balls, and hash browns).  And when choosing steamed or boiled potatoes, don't smother it with dripping cheese or putting too much butter and salt in it.

Everything has to be in moderation. Over consumption could result to health issues.  Remember, to also add other vegetables and even fruits to pregnancy diet.  Choose fruits rich in vitamin content than sugar.  Eat your recommended amount of protein from meats too.  Potatoes also are good sources of protein which expecting moms also need.   So just remember to always eat right and make sure diet is balanced.  Remember that your choice of lifestyle and dietary choices will have a great impact on the health of the baby.  So eat right, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy.  Add potatoes to your diet, you won't go wrong with potatoes.  To also be safe, plan your pregnancy diet with your doctor or nutritionist.

POTATO RECIPE I LOVE: MASHED POTATO
As shared earlier, I craved a lot for mashed potatoes or baked potatoes during the unknown first trimester of my last pregnancy, so I am sharing with you the simple recipe that helped me have a healthy pregnancy producing a normal and healthy baby boy (who is now 2.5yo by the way).

1. Peel and cut 8 medium-sized US Potatoes.  
2. Put the potatoes in a large pan, add enough water and bring to a boil for 15-20 mins.  
3. Drain water and put on low fire.  
4. Mash the potatoes.
5. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, salt, pepper, and ¼ cup milk.  Mix all ingredients.  
6. Make sure there are no lumps and the mashed potato is creamy.
7. Serve with a smile.

There you have it loves. just make sure to overall increase your veggie intake in general, and take a good long look at how potatoes can help your nutritional needs. Potatoes could be the answer to the nutrient gaps so many women are experiencing, this is whether you are expecting or not. 

So go grab a potato today.  Make sure to get high quality US Potatoes to ensure you get the best nutrition you and your baby would need!  Purchase US Potatoes at from major supermarkets and groceries nationwide. For more information on US potatoes, you can get in touch with the local Potatoes USA-Philippines office at +632.534.8534 and info@synergyasia.biz. You may also
visit www.potatogoodness.com or like and follow Potatoes USA-Philippines on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PotatoesUSAPhilippines.